Rep. Chris Gibson, R-Kinderhook, Columbia County, was part of the GOP congressional delegation that met with Astorino in Washington last month. His spokeswoman, Stephanie Valle, said the congressman left the meeting with a “strong indication” Astorino would throw his hat in the governor’s race.

“It’s fair to say they left with a strong indication that Astorino would be running and that the members of the New York Republican congressional delegation would be very supportive of that run,” Valle said today.

Astorino today declined to say what he discussed with the Republican delegation, calling it a private conversation. On WGDJ-AM in Albany, Astorino told host Fred Dicker that he was “50-50” on a potential run.

UPDATED: Two other lawmakers who were part of the meeting have weighed in. In a brief statement, Rep. Peter King, R-Nassau County, said Astorino “told us he was considering running and we encouraged him.”

Chris Grant, chief of staff to Rep. Chris Collins, R-Clarence, Erie County, said the congressman had agreed to keep quiet about what was discussed in the closed-door meeting, but said it was a “very good and candid meeting” that touched on the various issues facing the state.

Cox was not part of the meeting between Astorino and the lawmakers, but said he was told Astorino said he was going to run.

Astorino was elected to a second term as Westchester County executive in November and is the favorite among party leaders to challenge Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo later this year.